waffle

1
[ wof-uh l ]
/ ˌwɒf əl /

noun

a batter cake with a pattern of deep indentations on each side, formed by the gridlike design on each of the two hinged parts of the metal appliance (waffle iron) in which the cake is baked.

adjective

Also waf·fled. having a gridlike or indented lattice shape or design: a waffle pattern.

Origin of waffle

1
First recorded in 1735–45, waffle is from the Dutch word wafel

Definition for waffle (2 of 3)

waffle 2
[ wof-uh l ]
/ ˈwɒf əl /
Informal.

verb (used without object), waf·fled, waf·fling.

to speak or write equivocally: to waffle on an important issue.

verb (used with object), waf·fled, waf·fling.

to speak or write equivocally about: to waffle a campaign promise.

noun

waffling language.

Origin of waffle

2
1890–95; orig. dial. (Scots, N England): to wave about, flutter, waver, be hesitant; probably waff + -le

OTHER WORDS FROM waffle

waf·fler, noun waf·fling·ly, adverb waf·fly, adjective

Definition for waffle (3 of 3)

waffle 3
[ wof-uh l ]
/ ˈwɒf əl /

verb (used without object), waf·fled, waf·fling. British.

to talk foolishly or without purpose; idle away time talking.

Origin of waffle

3
1695–1705; orig. dial. (N England); apparently waff to bark, yelp (imitative) + -le

Example sentences from the Web for waffle

British Dictionary definitions for waffle (1 of 2)

waffle 1
/ (ˈwɒfəl) /

noun

  1. a crisp golden-brown pancake with deep indentations on both sides
  2. (as modifier)waffle iron

Word Origin for waffle

C19: from Dutch wafel (earlier wæfel), of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wabo honeycomb

British Dictionary definitions for waffle (2 of 2)

waffle 2
/ (ˈwɒfəl) informal, mainly British /

verb

(intr often foll by on) to speak or write in a vague and wordy manner he waffled on for hours

noun

vague and wordy speech or writing

Derived forms of waffle

waffler, noun waffling, adjective, noun waffly, adjective

Word Origin for waffle

C19: of unknown origin